Goldberg Variations BWV 988 aria

Bridget arranges and tabs one of the German genius’s beautifully intelligent etudes from his Goldberg suite of variations. Learn it today!

Many students find that the fourth finger feels weak when hammering so it is worth focusing on it. Try this: line up the four fingers on the sixth string on the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th frets. Make sure the fingers are arched on their tips and evenly spaced. Now lift the fourth finger off the string, moving only the knuckle joint and do not alter the curve of the finger. Slowly lower it back onto the string keeping the curve intact. Repeat the movement with a little more speed towards the string until the hammered note (D) sounds. Now try the same movement but going from second to fourth and first to fourth fingers. Notice if tension creeps into your forearm and try to relax it.